CNI News

1 October 2025

Three Karen armed groups announced on September 28, 2025, that they would cooperate to provide security so that the people in Karen State can cast their votes in the elections without suffering casualties or harm.

The Border Guard Force (BGF–Karen State), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army–Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) issued the joint statement following a meeting of their senior leaders on September 28, 2025.

During the meeting, the three groups reviewed and assessed the current military and political situation in Karen State. They stated that the upcoming multi-party democratic general election, scheduled to take place in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, could help resolve the country’s ongoing conflicts through a democratic path by bringing about an elected people’s government. They also said the elections could contribute to peace and development in Myanmar and to a stable and peaceful life for the people of Karen State.

Joint statement issued by the three Karen armed groups on September 28, 2025

In their joint statement, the BGF, DKBA, and KNU/KNLA-PC said: “In this multi-party democratic general election, we will recognize and respect the free will of the local people to participate, and we value democratic standards. To ensure that people can cast their votes freely without harm or loss, our three organizations will provide protection. Furthermore, we will fully cooperate to enable the people to enjoy a stable and peaceful life under a multi-party democratic system.”

Meanwhile, clashes are still ongoing in Karen State between the Karen National Union (KNU), People’s Defense Force (PDF) joint groups, and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The KNU, for its part, announced that it opposes the upcoming election scheduled for December 28, 2025. It urged all Karen people not to cooperate, stating that the election was merely an event to select individuals favored by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Elections

Similarly, some other ethnic armed groups, as well as the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and PDFs, have declared that they will work to disrupt the election and will take effective action against those who cooperate with it.

On the other hand, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed and promulgated the Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Multi-Party Democratic General Elections on July 29, 2025.

According to this law, those who obstruct, disrupt, or sabotage the multi-party democratic general elections and cause deaths can face a minimum prison term of 10 years up to life imprisonment, and even the death penalty.

CNI News

1 October 2025

The Karen National Union (KNU) and the Arakan Army (AA) have been charged on the grounds that they are attempting to disrupt and undermine the upcoming election. Analysts in both political and military circles are debating whether such legal actions will have any real effect.

On August 30, 11 KNU leaders including Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Padoh Saw Se Gay, and Padoh Ta Doh Moo were charged at Hpa-an Township Police Station on September 1 for allegedly making speeches and statements aimed at disrupting the election process.

Later, on September 9, Saw Saw Poe Lay Di Win was also charged at Paing Kyone Township Police Station in Hpa-an District.

In addition, on August 27, when voter education activities and voting rehearsals were being conducted at a monastery in Yinsal Village, Laymyethnar Township, Ayeyarwady Region, AA and PDF (still under investigation) allegedly attacked with a dropped bomb. On September 4, charges were filed at Ai Thapyoo Township Police Station.

AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing

According to Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, these legal actions against KNU and AA are intended to demonstrate that the government claims full sovereignty over the whole country, but in reality, such actions are ineffective.

“The way they act shows they want to claim authority over the entire country. Back when martial law was declared, they even included areas like Wa region and Mong La, where they hadn’t had control for many years. They still included them in the announcement. What they are showing is that only they hold sovereignty over the entire country. This way, other countries will also see them as the de facto government. In reality, the ruling authority is the military commission, so they are just following that approach, showing that only they hold power.”, she said.

Regarding these charges, KNU spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee told the BBC that since KNU is based in its own territory, such lawsuits will not have any effect.

Similarly, AA spokesperson U Khine Thukha denied that the group had bombed the monastery where voting rehearsals were being carried out, stating it was completely untrue.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that, given Myanmar’s current political situation, the government cannot actually enforce these lawsuits against armed groups right now. However, after the election, there could be legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

Former KNU leaders with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

He added that such cases would only be resolved if the government granted a general amnesty:

“KNU and AA leaders are now accused of criminal offenses. In particular, those leaders will one day have to face these charges in accordance with the law. For now, no action can really be taken against them. But in the future, their chances of success are already weakened. The question is whether they will move forward without resolving this issue or not. For ethnic armed groups and insurgents, this will remain an unresolved case if political negotiations are to happen in the future. Just like during U Nu’s time, only a general amnesty will solve the matter. For them, this is quite a disadvantageous position. On the other hand, the government is able to tackle it”he said.

Similarly, on August 31, 17 members of the Chinland Government, including U Par Htan, were charged at Hakha Township Police Station for allegedly making speeches and statements to disrupt the election process in Thantlang Township, Chin State.

According to reports, KNU, AA, and the opposition-aligned Chinland Government have each been charged under Section 23(a) of the Law on the Protection of Public Elections, which criminalizes disrupting or obstructing multi-party democratic elections.

CNI News

30 September 2025

The upcoming election could resolve Myanmar’s political and military conflicts, said U Khin Yi, Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on September 28, 2025.

However, analysts caution that while elections can help address such conflicts, they are not a “cure-all” solution like a medicine that heals every illness, and achieving complete peace ultimately depends on people themselves.

U Khin Yi stated that the USDP has the means to handle and resolve Myanmar’s ongoing political and military crises.

“Our country has suffered long enough because of ego-driven politicians who see others as enemies, creating violence and conflict. This has damaged the hopes and future of all our people and spread fear and anxiety for a long time. I firmly believe that the upcoming general election on December 28, 2025, will put an end to all of this.”, he said.

Political party leaders meeting with the UEC

Yet, some armed groups—including PDFs, NUG, CRPH, and NUCC—have announced they will not recognize the election and intend to disrupt it, even threatening action against those who participate.

As a result, many domestic and international observers worry the election could trigger not peace but further conflict.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chair of Yangon Watch, told CNI News that although elections are necessary, they cannot resolve all of Myanmar’s political and military problems:

“The election is essential for the country, but it is not a medicine that can cure all diseases. What it will bring is a governing system, one based on democracy and federal democracy, as envisioned in the 2008 Constitution, guaranteeing citizens’ rights. But right now, because it’s still a military government, those rights are restricted. An election can partially meet the country’s needs. Still, military-affiliated interest groups are too powerful in Myanmar. Only if all groups reduce their self-interests can the military situation ease. If the new government prioritizes national reconciliation instead of revenge, political and military conflicts may gradually lessen.”

Candidate numbers for the election

USDP Central Executive member U Hla Thein also told CNI News that while elections can resolve conflicts, total peace cannot be guaranteed:

“Elections can certainly help address political and military conflicts. But in reality, it’s a tug-of-war between the will of the people who want elections and the destructive will of those who don’t. In some places, conflicts may still break out. The government has invited all political parties to participate fairly. Still, complete peace depends on people’s attitudes. If extremists and hardliners cling to their positions, conflict will remain. But for those who want their voices heard, they can run as candidates, win, and raise their concerns in parliament.”

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), 57 political parties and independent candidates have submitted a total of 4,963 candidates to contest in the upcoming election, as announced on September 23, 2025.

Among them, the USDP has fielded 1,018 candidates; the National Unity Party (NUP) 694; the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) 672; the Myanmar Farmers Development Party 428; the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party 584; and the People’s Party 512, among others.

CNI News

30 September 2025

Three Karen armed groups held talks on military conflict and peace issues in Karen State, and observers are watching closely to see what agreements were reached.

The meeting was held on September 28, 2025, at Thakkatay Hsan Pya Village in Myawaddy District, Karen State. Leaders from the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF/KNA), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army–Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) attended the discussions.

Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt of the KNU/KNLA-PC told CNI News that because armed conflicts are widespread, the three groups discussed cooperating on peace-related matters.

“This was a meeting of three Karen armed groups on peace issues, so we will continue to work on matters related to peace. But if we say ‘peace’ at this moment, others might laugh, because everyone knows armed conflicts are spreading across the country. In Karen State as well, battles are ongoing without pause. Under these circumstances, peace feels very far away for us.”, he said.

Leaders of BGF, DKBA, and KNU/KNLA-PC meeting on September 28, 2025

According to him, the three groups also discussed the ongoing armed conflicts they face, the challenges and difficulties, and ways to reduce the suffering of civilians and prevent the conflict from spreading further.

“We are facing many difficulties and challenges right now. Because of this armed conflict, ordinary people are enduring constant hardship. What we want is to reduce their suffering as much as possible and prevent the fighting from expanding. That is why our three groups came together, exchanged views, and discussed. It was that kind of meeting.”, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

Meanwhile, in Karen State, clashes continue between the Karen National Union (KNU), Spring Revolution forces, and the Myanmar Tatmadaw. These conflicts have displaced many civilians and disrupted border trade, leading to rising living costs.

In addition, since the KNU has announced that it will not recognize or participate in the upcoming December 28, 2025 elections, there are fears that fighting in Karen State may intensify during the election period.

CNI News

30 September 2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) may fully withdraw from Bhamo in the near future after capturing Banmauk town in the northern part of Sagaing Region, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), to CNI News.

The joint forces led by the KIA launched an attack on Banmauk on September 15, 2025, at a time when they were under intense pressure from the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Bhamo. They successfully captured Banmauk on September 20.

Although Banmauk is included as one of the constituencies where elections could be held, it is not listed among the 102 townships for the first round of elections scheduled for December 28, 2025.

KIA Chairman Gen. N’Ban La

According to Sai Htay Aung, the KIA attacked and seized Banmauk as a way of regaining military prestige that had been lost in Bhamo, but they may soon fully withdraw from Bhamo.

“Now that Banmauk is in their hands, it is not included in the 102 constituencies for the first phase of elections. But in the next round, it might be included. Within a certain timeframe, the military and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) are likely to recapture Banmauk. If democracy is to be achieved, elections must be held. In my view, KIA attacked Banmauk to regain lost military prestige in Bhamo. So, I believe the KIA will abandon Bhamo soon. The KIA captured Banmauk and achieved military victory, which they can use for political prestige. But on the other hand, I believe they will soon fully withdraw from Bhamo. Soon after the end of this month, the KIA will likely have pulled out completely.” he said.

Currently, after the joint KIA, PDF, and Kadu forces captured Banmauk, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched airstrikes on September 21.

In Banmauk, the majority population is Tai Leng (Shanni), followed by the Kadu ethnic group.

Homalin Town

Observers point out that capturing Bhamauk enables KIA to secure supply routes for troops, weapons, and logistics into the northern part of Sagaing Region.

At present, the SNA controls the western part of Banmauk and is preparing for further battles, as well as working to recapture the town.

Analysts say the loss of Banmauk by the Shanni was due to insufficient manpower and lack of reinforcements.

Sai Htay Aung added that the loss of Banmauk had tarnished SNA’s political prestige, so they will try hard to regain it:

“Since the SNA is allied with the military, they must fight to recapture Banmauk in order to restore their political dignity. Why? Because losing a major town in the Shanni area damages their reputation. People could question why they could not protect their homeland. That’s why I believe the SNA will strive to take back Banmauk.”, he said.

It is also possible that the KIA may extend offensives towards Homalin and Katha. How long the KIA can hold Banmauk remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that the KIA’s attacks on Shanni areas may also be aimed at weakening SNA’s forces and influence.

Currently, the KIA-PDF joint forces are also pressing to capture Homalin. As a result, intense clashes between KIA-PDF and SNA are ongoing in 10 villages around Homalin.

CNI News

26 September 2025

If some form of settlement is reached between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the China-India connectivity route will be beneficial for Myanmar, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.

Following Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to China, officials from the Union Government and the Tatmadaw have been observed meeting more frequently with Chinese and Indian authorities. These meetings were mainly related to the China-India connectivity route, in which Kachin State plays a crucial role, according to Colonel Khun Okkar.

He stated: “The main link for China and India is through Kachin. Regarding that route, the Chairman of the Military Commission is also directly involved. Since the road passes through Kachin State, the Kachin side wants to assert its authority and influence over its territory. At this stage, if some kind of ceasefire agreement between the KIO/KIA and the Military Commission, or cooperation based on amendments and additions to the NCA drafted by KIO leaders, can be reached, then the China-India connectivity route will be beneficial for our country.”

KIA troops

On September 16, 2025, Myanmar Prime Minister U Nyo Saw met Chinese Vice President Han Qian in Nanning, China. Likewise, on September 10, 2025, Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo, Commander of the Bureau of Special Operations-1 of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi. 

On September 12, a five-member delegation led by Lt. Gen. Ko Ko Oo also visited the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters, where they met Eastern Command Commander Lt. Gen. R.C. Tiwari and other senior officials.

During the Senior General’s trip to China, discussions included the renovation of the Ledo Road, the possible resumption of the Myitsone Dam project, the reopening of China-Myanmar border trade, cooperation on India-Myanmar mineral extraction, security matters, and strengthening bilateral relations.

The Ledo Road connects China and India through Myanmar, with Kachin State being central to the route. If this route becomes viable, Myitkyina could emerge as a strategic hub, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), in an interview with CNI News.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Modi

He stated: “That would be a good sign for the development of Myanmar. For the progress of the nation, it would be better if there were no armed groups opposing the state. That’s my view. But given the current situation, if the government talks with the KIA, instead of focusing on resource sharing and power sharing, they should first prioritize stable peace and then move toward development in Kachin State. If the development of the state is emphasized and KIA rejects it, the people will oppose them because the public strongly desires progress. Right now, ordinary people are the ones suffering the most in the war. They are eager to escape hardship. So instead of negotiating over resources and natural wealth, it would be better to first establish peace and then present development plans to discuss and cooperate on.”

During his China trip, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vice President Han Qian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kazakh President, and other international leaders.

CNI News

26 September 2025

As Myanmar is an agriculture-based country, efforts must be made to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) widely in the agricultural sector, said Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He made the remarks during his keynote speech at the science workshop titled “Youth and the Future of Myanmar – Science and Technology”, held in Moscow, Russia, on September 25, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated, “In Myanmar, we must also strive to apply AI in the fields of education, healthcare, and transportation. Since our country is an agriculture-based nation, AI technology must be extensively applied in the agricultural sector.”

He added that Myanmar must work to utilize AI effectively, establish a strong AI ecosystem, and nurture a qualified human resource pool. Through the development and application of AI technology, Myanmar should advance its national development as well as its socio-economic progress.

On the subject of nuclear energy, he said Myanmar must strive to develop nuclear technology and make peaceful use of nuclear power. 
Since nuclear and radiation technologies can be applied not only in the energy sector but also in healthcare, agriculture, livestock, industry, and environmental conservation, Myanmar will need skilled human resources to establish a nuclear infrastructure base.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Russia on September 24, 2025, marking his fourth visit to the country.

His first visit was in September 2022 when he attended the 7th Far Eastern Economic Forum in Russia and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 7. His second visit was on March 4, 2025, when he met President Putin in Moscow. 

Likewise, his third visit took place in May 2025, during which he again held talks with President Putin.

CNI News

26 September 2025

Neighboring countries may pressure ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to attend the 10th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), said Dr. Aye Maung, chair of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), speaking to CNI News.

According to him, members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC)—such as the ULA/AA, UWSA, MNDAA, and TNLA—along with the KNU, could attend the event. He noted that relevant neighboring countries like China, India, and Thailand may exert pressure to ensure their attendance.

“At the talks, the seven FPNCC groups could participate. China can push them to attend. India can pressure EAOs along its border. Thailand can also pressure EAOs based on its border. Originally, 10 groups signed the NCA, but over time that number fell to five. Now the NSPNC is planning to hold a large-scale ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the NCA. I believe it will be successful. From there, discussions could yield some results, providing a direction for the country’s future. Leaders of armed groups may also provide answers. Among the FPNCC, ULA/AA’s deputy leader Dr. Nyo Tun Aung may come. The Wa (UWSA), Kokang (MNDAA), Mong La, and TNLA could also attend. We’ll see who will come to the 10th anniversary ceremony.”, said Dr. Aye Maung.

Leaders of UWSA and MNDAA

The NCA will reach its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2025. Analysts say this anniversary will be marked with more grandeur than in previous years, and that ethnic armed group leaders who took part in the drafting of the NCA will be invited. Top leaders from neighboring countries may also be invited, making the ceremony potentially a boost for Myanmar to break out of its negative cycle, said Dr. Aye Maung.

“The 10th anniversary could be huge. International leaders can be invited. Even the UN Secretary-General António Guterres could be invited. The Indian Prime Minister could be invited. Chinese President Xi Jinping could be invited, or if not him, Wang Yi could attend. Chinese negotiators like Deng Xijun, or India’s national security advisers, could also come. ASEAN leaders may also be invited. This anniversary could give Myanmar momentum to escape its current downward spiral.”, he added.

Former KNU leader Mutu Say Poe with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Back in August 2011, under President Thein Sein’s government, a ceasefire offer was extended, and talks were held with 21 ethnic armed groups. In 2011–2012, bilateral state- and Union-level ceasefire agreements were signed with 14 groups. Formal negotiations on the NCA began in 2013, and a draft was reached in August 2015.

On October 15, 2015, the KNU, RCSS, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, PNLO, CNF, and ABSDF signed the NCA, followed in February 2018 by the NMSP and LDU. Together, these 10 signatories formed the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) and engaged in negotiations for many years.

However, after 2021, internal disagreements arose. The KNU, CNF, and ABSDF declared the NCA void and decided to take up arms against the military, continuing clashes up to the present.

CNI News

26 September 2025

The relaxation of candidate requirements—allowing Union-level parties in Myanmar to submit candidate lists for only one-fourth of constituencies instead of half—is a good measure, said Sai Aik Pao, chair of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

On September 21, 2025, under an order by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the rule was amended so that political parties contesting nationwide are required to field candidates in only one-fourth of the total constituencies.

“Reducing the number of candidates required is a good step. Why? Because now all the other parties can compete. Previously, only six parties remained eligible to contest nationwide. That’s good. Our party planned to field over 600 candidates in 418 constituencies. But with this relaxation, everyone can participate. That’s a good thing,” he told CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing casting his vote

Union-level political parties will therefore no longer need to submit 417 candidates—half of the total 833 constituencies across 330 townships. Instead, if they can field candidates in one-fourth of the constituencies, they will be allowed to contest the election and will also be spared from the risk of deregistration.

Previously, the law stipulated that if a union-level party could not field 417 candidates or contest in at least 417 constituencies, it would be deregistered.

Sai Aik Pao with political party leaders

The easing of candidate requirements will have a significant impact on political parties, said SNDP chair Sai Aik Pao.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that Phase (1) of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.

In the upcoming general election beginning December 28, elections will be held in a total of 712 constituencies across the three legislatures.